Apparently the Jail was private-contractor up to 2007, when he contractor was shit canned due to 'costs' oh, and collusion to murder inmates too(that part not in the above link, other articles on it).

The city re-opened it, government run. and was apparently stuck with a money-hole, but shutting it down would create a WORSE money hole. So this looks like an effort on the city's part to try and recoup operating costs.

It sure doesn't play well in the fairness department, but at least it's not flat out 'OMG greed.' Of course, the various people involved could be lieing about any of this, but I don't have access to any of that.

Either way you slice it, it's not a good idea to allow prisoners an upgrade based on ability to pay. Our justice system should ideally treat prisoners in a roughly equivalent manner regardless of income level.